Montpellier – Guingamp Preview

Montpellier suffered a painful defeat last round against Monaco. Although opponents had most of the possession and the best of chances, Montpellier were always on alert and defended lucidly. Monaco could only score the winner in the dying seconds.

Montpellier are surely affected by this loss, but maybe it will make them more determined and committed.

Their defensive phase looks really good with a solid back four and midfielders always eager to provide a helping hand.

The only problem is upfront as neither Barrios nor Berigaud seem to have adapted yet. It is also true that the balls for them aren’t in big numbers, but this situation should make them careful not to play around with chances.

Maybe coach Courbis should consider switching to a midfield in five and playing with Camara and Mounier on the sides and Sanson in the center. This way Montpellier will be able to rely on offensive midfielders both for creating chances and also converting them.

Forward Barrios will miss through injury but his absence won’t be felt…

Opponents Guingamp once again had a poor performance (lost 1-0 to Metz). Upfront they are very slow and predictable and struggle hard to reach opponents’ penalty box. If by any chance they manage to create a decent opportunity the lone striker makes sure all efforts are in vain.

At the back we can see many unforced errors, simple passes that end up at opponents and can be easily converted.

Judging by the way they look in this moment Guingamp should be favorites for relegating at the end of the season.

Guests will once again miss central midfielder Mathis.

Regardless their offensive issues Montpellier should have enough power to cruise past Guingamp who are at Ligue2 level. Montpellier -0.5 at 2.01